The new base, which sits on the Coast 2 Coast route outside the National Glass Centre, is aimed at helping people to choose active, greener and healthier lifestyles and will be a hub for cycling activities.

It’s delivered by Sustrans on behalf of and funded by Go Smarter, as part of a programme to encourage Wearsiders to cycle, walk, use public transport and car share on their journeys to school and work.

Deputy Mayor of Sunderland, Coun Alan Emerson, who opened the dock, said: “The event was great fun and the children had a brilliant time.

“The Bike Dock offers people living in and around Sunderland somewhere to come where they can try out cycling and get help and advice on cycling matters.

“As a city we have several hundred miles of cycle routes and this centre is now part of a support network helping cyclists to explore our cycling network, get fit and healthy, and help the environment.”

Neil Mitchell, from Sustrans, added: “I encourage anyone living nearby to come along and get involved with the events we have planned.

“We’ll also be running a full programme of fun, social activities as the centre develops to encourage local people to get out and about and be more active.

“There will also be opportunities for people to help out on a volunteer basis, learning new skills.”

The Bike Dock is constructed from converted shipping containers and on land between the University of Sunderland’s St Peter’s Campus and the National Glass Centre.

Mike Foster, from University of Sunderland, said: “It is a pleasure to host The Bike Dock on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus and it has been fantastic to be involved in the planning of the project. The cycle routes in Sunderland and along the river are a bit of a hidden gem, so I really hope the Bike Dock changes that.”

Planned sessions based at the Bike Dock include cycle skills training, bike maintenance, led rides and walks, all supported by Sustrans staff.

For further information, contact Sustrans North East on Tel. 261 6160, email SustransNE@sustrans.org.uk